Texas Fertilizer Explosion Kills 15, Injures More Than 100

At least 15 are dead and hundreds of people are injured after a fertilizer plant erupted in a massive fireball in Texas on April 17. Plus, chilling footage is caught by a father and his son who witnessed the explosion. It’s so sad to watch.

A fertilizer plant exploded on April 17 in West, Texas, killing 15 so far and injuring hundreds. Buildings in a five-block radius from the explosion were severely damaged. A bystander caught the explosion in a harrowing video.

Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion

The fertilizer plant near Waco blew up after a fire that burned earlier in the day rekindled, sparking the explosion shortly before 8 PM, according to the New York Post. The explosion was said to be so powerful that it was felt 45 miles away.

“It was like being in a tornado. Stuff was flying everywhere. It blew out my windshield,” Debbie Marak, 58, said — she was driving near the plant when it exploded. “It was like the whole earth shook.”

Homes Destroyed In Iraq-Like Bomb Blast

“There was an apartment complex that was completely destroyed. It looked like a bomb blast in Iraq,” Texas state trooper spokesman D.L. Wilson said.

“There were 133 victims in the nursing home that we had to get out,” Wilson added. “A lot of elderly people were injured by flying bricks.”

As of this morning, a group of firefighters and a law enforcement officer, working to evacuate residents and put out the initial fire, are still unaccounted for.

Death Toll Rising

Right now, the explosion site is being considered a crime scene.

“We need your prayers. We’ve got a lot of people who are hurt, and there’s a lot of people, I’m sure, who aren’t gonna be here tomorrow,” West Mayor Tommy Muska said.

“We’re gonna search for everybody,” he added. “We’re gonna make sure everybody’s accounted for. That’s the most important thing right now.”

President Obama Releases Statement

“Today our prayers go out to the people of West, Texas in the aftermath of last night’s deadly explosion at a fertilizer plant. A tight-knit community has been shaken, and good, hard-working people have lost their lives. I want to thank the first responders who worked tirelessly through the night to contain the situation and treat the wounded. My Administration, through FEMA and other agencies, is in close contact with our state and local partners on the ground to make sure there are no unmet needs as search and rescue and response operations continue. West is a town that many Texans hold near and dear to their hearts, and as residents continue to respond to this tragedy, they will have the support of the American people.”

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by this terrible tragedy.

WATCH: Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion

Watch a shocking video of the explosion below, courtesy of our friends at NowThis News: